Myxoedema-It is a condition characterised by hypofunction of the thyroid gland in an adult.

 

.Myxoedema

                                                                                                                                                         Definition

It is a condition characterised by hypofunction of the thyroid gland in an adult.

 

Aetiology

1.Surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

2.Radioiodine therapy to the thyroid gland.

3.Atrophy of the thyroid gland.

4.Autoimmune thyroiditis.

 

Clinical features

1.The skin is pale,dry,cold,and coarse.

2.The face is swollen,with baggy eyelids.

3.There is swelling on the back of the limbs and neck and shoulders.

4.Hair loss occurs.

5.Sweating is reduced.

6.There is obesity due to weight gain.

7.The pulse rate is slow.

8.The heart is enlarged.Anginal pain is present.

9.The patient tires easily.

10.The memory is reduced .thinking is slow.There may be myxedema madness to varying degrees.

11.The relaxation phase of the ankle jerk is delayed.

12.There  may be tingling and numbness of hands and feet.

13.Muscle cramps or stiffness may develop.

14.Appetite is lost.

15.Constipation is present.

16.The nails are brittle.

17.Thirst is reduced.

 

Investigations

                                                         Investigations in Myxoedema

 

Test	Findings
Serum T4	Low.
Serum T3	Low.
SerumTSH	High.
Protein bound iodine	Low.
Radioiodine uptake by the thyroid gland.	Low
Serum cholesterol	High.
ECG	Low voltage ,flattening or inversion of Twave.

 

 

Treatment

Thyroxin or extract of the thyroid gland is given orally.Initially the dose of thyroxin is 0.1 mg/day orally. It is gradually increased as required.